New for Autumn: our alteration service for adults!

Due to frequent enquiries from brides-to-be, their mothers and their wider families, we often look after dress alterations needed for their excited gathering of adult bridesmaids, or tweaks to a mother-of-the-bride's outfit.

With past years of experience in women's evening wear and bespoke clothes, we can turn our skills to many areas needed to make a dress absolutely perfect - shortening a hem, changing the sleeves, adjusting a neckline, fitting a bodice...

This September, we had a lovely time working on the 6 adult bridesmaids for a London wedding. We shortened all the hems according to each of their heights (and shoes!); adjusted the skirt fronts so not too revealing; and completely changed the sleeves for an autumn day from a short flutter sleeve, to a full length blouson sleeve. The off-cuts from the dress hemming left just the right amount of green satin to make a perfect matching bow and sash for the silk baby flower girl dress that we also made for the occasion.

“While attending my flower girl’s dress fitting, I was captivated by your beautiful creations. To my delight you agreed to assiting with my bridesmaids’ dresses and I was beyond thrilled with the outcome. Your tailoring skills and impeccable attention to detail left me in awe. Thank you for your exceptional work.” Sophia, bride September 2023

Many engaged couples went through the emotional experience of postponing and re-planning wedding dates during the pandemic. One bride that we helped fell totally in love with the first wedding gown that she tried, which she kept safely & secretly stored away… but by the time the couple could go ahead with their wedding, there was a new little member of the family in the making! We managed to work our magic and insert extra lace panels in the bodice to allow for the bride's adorable baby bump.

"Thank you for your wonderful work to make my wedding day extra special" Eliana, bride 2021

Last summer, we looked after the fittings and alterations for the bride's sister and her lively bride squad. We tweaked the style of the neckline of her sister's dress, so that she stood out from the group a little, as 'maid of honour'. All the other dresses had the hems shortened to suit the heels they chose; and we made ivory ribbons to tie back their hair in a loose style. We sourced silks to match the adults’ dresses, and created a baby boy's summer romper and a flower girl dress to perfectly blend in with the whole wedding picture.

“Thank you for the baby outfit & flower girl dress – they looked beautiful. It was an amazing experience and you were wonderful looking after all the bridesmaids.” Holly, bride 2022

As well as wedding attire, we can help you with alterations to vintage clothes, second-hand finds, your favourite black-tie dress, refreshing and renewing a piece from your wardrobe. Please do contact us with your ideas.

Each alteration service will be carefully costed according to the time and skills needed to complete the work. Fit meetings are by appointment only and can be either at our couture studio near Battersea Power Station; or, we are very happy to arrange a special plan to visit you.

Little Bevan Flower Girl & Pageboy Outfit Ideas for a Summer Wedding

As we are emerge from our Covid-hibernation, as the first blossom is appearing and restrictions are relaxing, I feel it is a good moment to present ideas for our Little Bevan flower girl and pageboy outfits with an ‘english garden’ theme. I shall look at different aspects of our designs in a series of 4 blog articles: firstly considering fabrics & colours; secondly looking at the variety of style details for girls’ dresses (all made-to-order); next an article discussing pageboy outfits; and lastly a piece on shoes & accessories. I hope this helps you plan ideas and orders for your exciting weddings.

Fabrics - plain or patterned; silk, cotton, linen or lace

The most popular luxury fabric for our styles is silk dupion, which is a particularly good choice as it is available in a wide selection of delicate shades to match many wedding themes. It is a child-friendly, natural fibre that feels lovely, allows the skin to breathe and holds its shape nicely. A Little Bevan signature look for girls, which we introduced from the very start of our LB life in 2004, is to overlay sheer organza (or light tulle) over the main silk layer, which gives the dress an entrancing fluidity. For some summer weddings, especially those with an outdoor garden or sea-side location and more informal mood, we can also use crisp white cottons or natural linens, which still work well with a girl’s sash or boy’s cummerbund in a coloured silk.

You might like to choose to have a fabric with pattern. These pictures show a Liberty print cotton lawn (we can source all their current season prints) which we can use for any of our dress styles, and still works well with a big silk sash & bow (the sash shown here in ‘daffodil’). We have a sheer silk organza with ivory embroidered polka dots; or an embroidered silk design of multi-coloured polka dots on an ivory background, giving a fun scattering of colours - then pick out your favourite highlight colour, which we can use for the piping trim and sash.

For extra luxury we can use an embroidered and beaded tulle for the whole dress, or for a skirt overlay – perhaps reflecting the design of a bridal gown lace; or, use a soft Chantilly lace which falls in a more slimline silhouette. Alternatively, for just an extra touch, we can cut and lay applique lace flowers/motifs scattered on the hem or bodice and hand sew in place. For these very bespoke orders, we can source a super selection of gorgeous lace designs - or, work with offcuts from your own couture lace gown.

Colours – leaf greens & blossom pinks for an ‘english garden’ theme

We can use highlights of colour for trims and accessories set on the overall base of ivory or white – pretty colours for silk sashes, bow-ties, cummerbunds, neckline piping and silk buttons: a colour that reflects you and your wedding plan - that perhaps has a relevance to you and your family, and which can be carried over to be used in wedding decorations and flowers.

Alternatively, use a colour for the whole of the child’s outfit, and contrast with a floral print sash, a shiny satin texture, or a lighter shade used in the trims and accessories. Many clients choose a colour, or darker shade, for boy’s shorts, knickerbockers and trousers so that they link in with the groom and ushers - or just for practicality!

Getting back to work at our studio

We opened our sewing workspace when schools re-opened after 8th March. We are busy preparing the first booked orders of flower girl dresses, sashes, pageboy shirts, cummerbund and knickerbockers for May and June weddings. For the next few weeks, we have scheduled Zoom appointments leading up to mid-April. This is a great way of taking up-to-date measurements at home and for confirming order details - some weddings, postponed form 2020, have changes to styles, need different colours, and there are even new babies in the family who now need little matching outfits! We always try to accommodate urgent orders, rearranged plans and small accessory orders, as we all know that life is hard to predict, but, ideally, please contact us by email to begin the process as early as you can - it is best to allow 2-3 months to produce your order of beautiful clothes to treasure forever!

Little Bevan: info@littlebevan.co.uk

by appointment: Unit 3f Hewlett House, 5 Havelock Terrace, Battersea, London SW8 4AS

Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Following the 4th January government lockdown regulations, and with advice to stay at home, we shall be temporarily closed until mid-February, or until there is an easing of recommendations in central London.

However, during this time, we can look after email enquiries, so do contact Sarah, at info@littlebevan.co.uk, with any questions or ideas you may have about our styles, fabrics, measurements, accessories and order timings.

Please note that we are a tiny team, so please plan to allow as much time as possible for us to make and deliver items for your future orders when things return to ‘near normal’. Sarah will be contacting all current customers to confirm the production plans for their outfits - all of which are safely in hand.

In the meantime, please stay safe and cosy during these challenging winter weeks, and, for inspiration, stay in touch with us on instagram and Facebook!

A welcome hug for our mini Little Bevan flower girl from a beautiful Temperley bride, on the catwalk at BridestheShow a few years back!

Summer 2020 update

We are so excited to be back at the studio, creating adorable outfits, looking after your enquiries, and designing outfits for a very special day.

We have carefully re-opened the Little Bevan studio; although, at the moment, only on a part-time basis.

Back on the runway again! Little Bevan white silk and white cotton broderie anglaise bespoke dresses.

These FAQ’s may help to answer your general queries during this unprecedented summer of uncertainty and postponed events:-

• Are you closed? / Can I place an order? We are back at the studio after several months at home during lockdown. However we have started back on a part-time basis, so please bear with us as our production time may be a little slower than usual. Best to contact us first to confirm all the details.

• Can I plan an order for 2021? Absolutely! You can place an order as early as you like. We can help with your ideas, and discuss designs and details. We have many design samples here at the studio (and can show you these virtually too) and can post out fabric swatches to be sure of your colour choice. Once you are happy to go ahead, we recommend booking you order into our workroom schedule as soon as you can.

• Can I postpone an order? Yes, that’s totally fine. With changes to advice and regulations; and the possibility of a second wave of the virus in the winter, many clients have already postponed their weddings until spring/summer 2021. We can ‘pause’ at whatever point we have reached with an order: we’ll keep all the notes, details and fabrics safe until ready to start again.

• What changes are in place beacuse of covid-19? We have set up reccomended cleaning and social distancing measures to protect the health and safety of our customers, visitors, and the Little Bevan team. You are welcome to make an appointment to visit the studio. Please wear a face covering (we have disposable masks, gloves and hand sanitiser for your use). But you don’ t need to come to see us; we can communicate via email, Whatsapp or Zoom. We can make, complete and post garments to you to try on at home.

• Children grow so quickly, how do we know their size? Even if you are planning well ahead of the date, or have postponed from this year to next, children will grow, especially over the summer and Christmas holidays! Your order will be safely booked in, all the notes kept safe until we are ready to make: about 3 months before your event we will be back in touch to get up-to-date size & measurements of the children (we try to leave it as late as possible for babies!)

• What if a garment needs altering? If you have a ‘dress rehearsal’ at home, we can set up a video call, so that we can check the fit together and advise what may need changing. Then, return it to us (by tracked mail/ courier) and we’ll do the alterations as quickly as we can.

• What is the recommended timeline? Ideally leave plenty of time, and book an order in as early as you can. Things are a bit different for us with a reduced team, part-time and flexible working, so as we find our feet, it will be best to plan ahead as carefully as we can. Next spring/summer looks to be busy, as we’ll have new brides-to-be for 20121, and the majority of our 2020 clients have postponed until 2021 as well. We are a tiny team, and a small studio, so our work schedule may fill up quickly for popular dates in May!

Do get in touch with any thoughts and questions; our main email is best: info@littlebevan.co.uk

Take good care of yourselves and your families this summer; enjoy the re-opening of all things fun; and if you are dealing with postponing your special event, just remember that when the celebrations finally come, they will be doubly bright!

Little Bevan dresses young Maisie Sly for her first red carpet appearance

Maisie Sly, a 6yr old little girl from Swindon will be wearing a bespoke Little Bevan dress to the 90th Academy Awards this weekend. She stars in the UK film ‘The Silent Child’ which has been nominated in the category for Best Short Film (Live Action) http://oscar.go.com/nominees/short-film-live-action

Recommended by the talented & experienced team at women’s wear designer Suzanne Neville, it was an absolute delight to be involved. In a way it was a chance to support ‘The Silent Child’ – a touching film with an essential message, of the difficulty of living with a disability in what can be a unforgiving world.  It highlights the important fact that deafness does not have to limit anyone’s capabilities if they have the right support; and Maisie, who is profoundly deaf, has proved that to be true.

It was a fun & creative session when Maisie and her mother, who is wearing Bella Bevan (Little Bevan’s capsule adult collection), visited the boutique in Pimlico. Maisie selected a few styles that caught her eye, giving each one a good ‘twirl test’. Her favourite was the ‘Josephine’ dress – but made in her favourite colour navy. Designer & owner, Sarah Colfer, tweaked the design to suit her wishes, and added perfect customised accessories with a bit of sparkle, to create her dream dress for the red carpet.

With over 10 years’ experience producing enchanting outfits in the heart of London, Little Bevan clothes travel the world to some of the most memorable occasions: an arty, beach-side wedding Brazil; a stunning cliff-top location in South Africa; a cello performance Athens; a magical celebration at the Paris Opera; a family Christmas at their ancient Scottish castle; to the glitz of Miami… but a trip to the Oscars in Hollywood is a first!

Maisie is a super bright girl from a wonderful family. The whole family must be enjoying this incredible Oscar experience. The film’s writer & actor Rachel Shenton and director Chris Overton deserve every accolade for the film: the team at Little Bevan are keeping their fingers crossed for a wonderful result!

With thanks to:-  Lucy Johnston and team at This Morning  www.itv.com/thismorning

 Rainbow Club UK for providing shoes to match (Maisie’s choice, naturally, was their children’s style ‘maisie’!)  www.rainbowclub.co.uk

Lily Bella for their crystal Scarlett belt, hand sewn on by Sarah to highlight the bodice www.lilybella.co.uk

For dress fabrics: Bennett Silks  www.bennett-silks.co.uk ;  Bernstein & Banley www.theliningcompany.co.uk   and MacCulloch & Wallis haberdashery   www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk

Planning all the details for your First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion is such a meaningful occasion for both the child and their family; and a wonderful time to plan for an extra special outfit - something to treasure forever.

We love to take all the care we can to make each first communion dress. We have a range of styles designed for this particular day, some available to order through our online shop. Mostly we meet mothers and daughters here for an individual appointment at our boutique studio to discuss every detail of their 'dream dress'.

We make dresses in white or sometimes ivory - using silk, organza, chantilly lace, satin, corded lace, with delicate trims of bows, crystals, ribbons and silk buttons... any detail that you may fancy! Also, we remember to make a note of when and where your ceremony is... just to be absolutely sure that your dress is truely styled for you, and no other girl will be matching you that day!

We can also make accessories you may need - for example a soft tulle veil fixed on to a beaded haircomb, or a matching silk bag to keep some treats for the party later! And I'd like to recommend the pretty jewellery that we have styled with the dresses in our photos from Merci Maman http://www.mercimamanboutique.com/junior

Please email us with any enquiries, or to make an appointment: info@littlebevan.co.uk

lovely images styled by Jemma at www.jemma-jade.com and taken by Kate Nielen www.katenielen.com

UK Wedding Awards 2017: voting closes on 9th February!

We are over the moon to be shortlisted in the Bridesmaid category of this year’s UK Wedding Awards!

(hosted by Hitched.co.uk, You & Your Wedding and Perfect Wedding magazines)

We are a small, family run company creating special occasion wear at our studio in the heart of London – 10 years in our Pimlico boutique this year, and in this competition we are up against some well-established high street names!

If you love what we do, please take a moment to support the team at Little Bevan. Click through on this link to cast your vote:

http://www.hitched.co.uk/awards/vote/#Bridesmaid-Collection

Here are some highlights of designs we have made, and fun events we have been involved in:

Inspiration for your wedding dress plans 2017!

Looking back to Brides The Show 2016 in London last October - Brides magazine launched the official catwalk video today: an amazing parade of the best designer dresses, and we were really proud to show with them!

 https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4MptA9OywIXNWNvXzJIVmFuZVk

www.bridesmagazine.co.uk   Facebook.com/Bridesmagazine   @bridesmagazine

'The Only show to say Yes to' : Brides The Show, Islington

Pop in to see us at the Little Bevan stand M69, all weekend and catch our latest designs modelled on the catwalk this season by our Little Bevan minimaids, Amelia & Tallulah!

'Step into the pages of the UK's favourite bridal magazine from 30th September - 2nd October! Brides The Show brings together the very best of the bridal industry at The Business Design Centre this Autumn - making it the only place to cross off your wedding to-do list in style.

From dresses to diamonds, flowers to cakes, the event will bring together top experts and over 150 luxury suppliers. Expect the freshest ideas, the highest quality craftsmanship and the very latest trends.

The Brides The Show catwalk will this year take on a captivating Circus theme, featuring the latest collections from designers including Suzanne Neville, Charlie Brear and Halfpenny London, PLUS exclusive to the Friday Night Preview, there will be an America's catwalk showcasing seven top American designers including Monique LHuillier, Galia Lahav and Mira Zwillinger.

Be inspired by a crafted selection of hands-on workshops in the Imagination room and interactive travel hub Dream Destinations. Meet bridal experts who will help you plan your big day, and discuss bridal looks with the Bobbi Brown Pro-team and Michael Van-Clarke hairdressers.'

To book tickets visit www.bridestheshow.co.uk and quote 'PARTNER' to get 25% off tickets.

Not long to go until White Gallery bursts into bloom in the park!

I love May: the young sun shines,  the evenings feel longer, the heady scent of lilac has burst into bloom, my favourite fresh green of new leaves in the garden, there are birthdays and fun celebrations, it’s our wedding anniversary – and so many of our customer’s weddings this month too.

Add to all these, this year the Little Bevan team is returning to White Gallery, London in Battersea Park, 15th – 17th May.

“Showcasing the finest in bridal design: As the UK's only designer bridal show,  White Gallery at Battersea Evolution sets the style for 2016 with collections that put femininity first, in a celebration of soft, fluid silhouettes and the finest of fabrics.”

“The best thing about White Gallery is that it has so much home-grown talent under one roof. The top brands all exhibit at this beautiful venue and the show is renowned worldwide for its high quality designers exhibiting and high end boutiques visiting the show”     Stephanie Allin

http://www.whitegallery.com/

So there is much excitement this week as we get the dresses ready for their trip to the park. The show has expanded with more elite suppliers involved.

We shall be on stand 805, up on the Gallery level near to the Buyers Lounge and the Press Area, with our enchanting display of dresses and outfits that epitomise the romance, the pastels and the flowers of an English summer wedding.

We so look forward to meeting with new bridal boutique buyers and catching up with familiar faces there!